What is a primary goal of constructive assessments?

The primary goal of constructive assessments is to validate the learning process. This approach to assessment focuses on understanding how well students are grasping concepts and applying their knowledge, rather than merely measuring their ability to complete tasks or perform on standardized tests. Constructive assessments allow educators to evaluate not just the final products of learning, but also the learning journey itself. This may involve formative assessments that give students feedback throughout the learning process, fostering a deeper comprehension and better retention of material.

By validating the learning process, constructive assessments encourage self-reflection and allow teachers to adjust their instructional strategies to better meet the needs of their students. This is in contrast to merely emphasizing assignment completion or comparing students to one another, which do not provide the same level of insight into individual learning and growth.